Close-up of an old, weathered metal electrical or mechanical panel with control dial and engraved instructions.

ACCESSIBILITY

Access for All

The Canadian Museum of Health Care is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitors, staff, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that accessibility is essential to meaningful participation in heritage, education, and community life. We are continually working to identify, reduce, and remove barriers to access within our physical spaces, programs, services, exhibitions, and digital resources.

♿ Barrier-free entrance

🛗 Elevator available

🦽 Mobility device access

🚻 No accessible washroom on-site

At A Glance

🧸 Chill Out space available

🪑 Seating throughout the museum

👂 Sound dampening headphones recommended

🐕‍🦺 Service animals welcome

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Support persons welcome

🤫 Generally quiet galleries

Venue Guides

We want every visitor to feel welcome, prepared, and comfortable when visiting the Canadian Museum of Health Care.

Download before your visit to plan ahead. Available in English and French.

Adults venue guide

Physical layout, entrance, elevator, washrooms, and amenities. Everything you need to know before arrival.

EN — Adults Venue Guide

FR — Guide du lieu pour adultes

Kids relaxed guide

Simple, visual guide for children and families. Reduces uncertainty before arriving.

EN — Kids Relaxed Guide

FR — Guide détendu pour enfants

Physical Accessibility

Entrance

  • Barrier-free entrance on George Street

  • Curb cut nearby for wheelchair and mobility device access

  • Entry door is a manual door — staff are happy to assist

  • Door width when open: 87.63 cm / 34.5 in

What entrance looks like

Image Description: A photo of the exterior of the museum. It has a glass column on the left and the right side of the building is bright red above a stone wall. There is a “welcome” flag flying on the left.

Elevator

  • Elevator connects the entrance level to the exhibit floor (2nd floor)

  • Accommodates wheelchairs and most mobility devices

  • Door width when open: 91.44 cm / 3 ft

What elevator looks like

Washrooms

  • Two single-occupancy washrooms on the exhibit floor

  • Neither washroom is fully accessible for wheelchairs

  • Accessible washrooms are available nearby on the KGH campus — staff can give directions

What first (1) washroom looks like

What second (2) washroom looks like

Seating and parking

  • Seating available throughout galleries; portable seating on request

  • Kingston Transit stops within walking distance

  • Limited accessible parking on the KGH campus and surrounding streets

Support persons and service animals

  • Support persons welcome throughout the museum

  • Certified service animals welcome in all public areas

Sensory Considerations

  • Galleries are generally quiet with moderate lighting

  • The museum shares KGH's intercom system — hospital announcements may occur

  • Sound dampening headphones recommended for noise-sensitive visitors

  • Quieter times: weekday mornings and early afternoons

  • A Chill Out space is available in the Children's Gallery for anyone who needs a break

If you or someone in your group would benefit from a sensory-friendly visit, contact us to plan accordingly.

AODA Compliance & Policy

The Canadian Museum of Health Care is committed to meeting its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and its Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We strive to provide an accessible and welcoming experience for all visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Our accessibility practices are guided by the following principles: dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

In accordance with the AODA Customer Service Standard, CMHC welcomes visitors with service animals and support persons, provides notice of temporary disruptions to accessible services, and invites feedback on accessibility at any time.

Documents and communications from the Canadian Museum of Health Care are available in accessible formats upon request. This includes our Venue Guides, programming materials, and other visitor information.

To request an accessible format, please contact us at museum@kingstonhsc.ca or by phone at 613-548-2419. We will work with you to provide the information in a format that meets your needs in a timely manner.

Accessible Formats

We welcome and encourage feedback on the accessibility of our museum, programs, and communications. Your input helps us improve the experience for everyone.

To share feedback, ask a question, or request an accommodation, please contact:

📞 (613) 548-2419

📧 museum@kingstonhsc.ca

🏛️ Welcome Desk (in person)

We will acknowledge all accessibility feedback and respond within 10 business days.

Accessibility Feedback